Walworth County Fair shut down early after suspicious object found
The Walworth County Fair grounds were evacuated late Wednesday night after a potential threat was brought to the attention of fairgrounds security personnel.
According to a press release from Walworth County Fairgrounds General Manager Larry Gaffey, a suspicious looking plastic pipe with end caps was spotted on the fairgrounds and brought to the attention of security. In working with the Elkhorn Police Department and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the release said, the Walworth County Fair Board made the decision to follow existing fairgrounds emergency procedures and evacuate the grounds shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday.
After an examination of the plastic pipe by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, the release said, it was determine the plastic pipe contained sets of drum sticks and an all clear signal was given at 10:06 p.m.
The press release said the existing emergency plan was followed well and the grounds were evacuated quickly and safely. The fair was originally scheduled to be open until 11 p.m., but did not reopen following the all clear.
The Walworth County Fair announced via Facebook Wednesday night that all guests with carnival ride wristbands from Wednesday could bring that wristband to the North American Midway Office in Kiddieland on Thursday and redeem it for two hours of free rides during normal carnival hours.
